Shoeshining apparatus



1943. T. L. FINLEY 7 2,325,843

SHOESHINING APPARATUS I Filed April 15, 1940 7 Sheets-Sheet l Aug. 3,1943. T. L. FINLEY SHOESHINING APPARATUS 7 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed April 15, 1940 J W W 7 L i t I w M H Aug, 3, 1943. T. FINLEY SHOESHINING APPARATUS Filed April 15, 1940 7 Sheets-Sheet 3 w. UHUSHING, SCRUBBING,

&IGENERAL CLEANING,

Aug. 3, 1943.

u: uoo HUIUI uuw Search Hoom T. L. FINLEY 2,325,843

SHOESHINING APPARATUS Filed April 15, 1940 '7 Sheets-Sheet 4 as 9 /0 mo 1943- I T. FlNLEY 2,325,843

SHOESHINING APPARATUS Filed April 15, 1940 '7 Sheets-Sheet 5 i Z /07 g $5 2/ Ll Aug. 3, 1943. T. FlNLEY SHOESHINING APPARATUS Filed April 15, 1940 7 Sheets-Sheet 6 Patented Aug. 3, 1943 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE SHOESHINING APPARATUS Tilbert L. Finley, Bonham, Tex.

Application April 15, 1940, Serial No. 329,614

1-2 Claims.

This invention relates to new and useful improvements in shoe shining apparatus.

One object of the invention is to provide an improved apparatus for shining or polishing shoes which is entirely automatic in its operation and which may be coin-controlled so that the apparatus is actuated upon the insertion of a coin, whereby said apparatus is adaptable for use in public places and requires no attendant.

An important object of the invention is to provide an improved shoe shining apparatus wherein the various operating parts are controlled by a single depressible member which is arranged to be depressed by the weight of the person operating the apparatus, whereby the construction is simplified and also whereby the apparatus cannot operate unless the shoes of the person are in proper position within the machine.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved apparatus, of the character described, wherein gravity actuated weights or elements are employed in conjunction with the depressible member, for controlling actuation of the apparatus, whereby springs, and the like, which aresubject to wear and fatigue, are eliminated and positive and eflicient operation is assured.

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved apparatus for shining shoes having an electric motor for driving the reciprocating brushes which perform the brushing operation, together with an improvedswitch arrangement for controlling the energization of said motor, whereby the motor isactuated for a predetermined length of time to reciprocate the brushes for a predetermined length of time, upon each operation of the apparatus.

Still another object of the invention is to provide an improved apparatus, of the character described, which includes a depressible support or platform which is so arranged that upon initial movement thereof, a polish or cleaner is applied to the shoes, continued depressing of the platform resulting in an actuation of the brushes to com-. fplete the shining or polishing of the shoes; said platform being normally locked in a raised position and having a coin-controlled operator asso- Lciated therewith, whereby said platform cannot 'bedepressed until a coin is inserted into the apparatus.

A still further object of the invention is to provide an apparatus, of the character described, wherein an electric motor furnishes the power for operating the device, saidmotor being controlled by an'improved switch arrangement which includes a travelling control element movable on a threaded shaft; the switch arrangement being such that the field of the electric motor is reversed upon each operation, whereby the travelling control element travels back and forth on its shaft, moving in one direction upon each operation of the motor; such switch arrangement permitting a positive control of the length of time that the motor is energized and also permitting the use of a single motor, which-simplifies the construction.

A particular object of the invention is to provide an improved brush assembly for a shoe shining apparatus, wherein the brushes are guided over curved tracks which are shaped so as to move said brushes over the entire surface of the shoes in a manner substantially similar to the manner in which a brush would be manually moved over the shoe, whereby efficient polishing and shining of the shoes is accomplished.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved brush assembly including a plurality of brushes, each of which is mounted within a carrier; each brush being resiliently or yieldably mounted within its carrier so as to be capable of a tilting movement relative thereto and each carrier being secured to its operating member through a universal joint so that the carrier may undergo universal movement with relation to such member, the mounting of the brushes in this manner permitting said brushes to follow the contours or outer surfaces of the shoes, whereby an efficient brushing action is accomplished.

Still another object of the invention is to provide an improved brush assembly having its brushes normally held out of shoe brushing position, whereby the shoes to be shined may be readily disposed therebetween; together with means for automatically moving the brushes into engagement with the shoes upon operation of the device.

A construction designed to carry out the inven- Figure 4 is a'rear elevation of the with the outer casing removed. ,7

. Figure 5 is a horizontal, cross-sectional view,

apparatus,

taken on the line 55 of Figure 3. and illustrating one of the brush assemblies in itsraised tion, I

Figure 6 is a view similar to Figure 5, showing the brushes lowered to a position in engagement with the shoe, I I Y Y Figure '7 is a partial transverse vertical sec- .tionai view, taken on the line 1-1 of Figure 5.

\ l a',sas,a4s sectional view, taken on the line 3-2 of Figure 2, I

1 and the lever i6 is operated. Such operation of Figure 8 is a view-similar. to Figure 7, taken on the line 8-8 of Figure 6, v

Figure 9 is an enlarged, transverse vertical sectional view, taken on theline 9-9 of Figure'5, Figure 10 is an enlarged, partial isometric view, showing the mounting of the guide track for the brushes on the depressible platform or support, Figure 11 is an enlarged. transverse vertical sectional view, taken on the line I l-l l of Figure 2 and illustratingthe apparatus for applying polish or cleaner to the shoe,

Figure 12 is an enlarged, transversa'vertical, sectional, view, taken on the vline i2-l2 of Figure 6,

Figure 13 is a horizontal cross-sectional view,-

taken on the line I3--l3 of Figure 12, v

Figure 14 is an isometric view of one of the guard plates, illustrating the inner side thereof which has the paste polish mounted thereon,

' Figure 15 is an enlarged elevation of the rear portion of the device, illustrating the switch arrangement, said switch being in an open position,

Figure 16 is a view of the lower portion of theupper end of each recess. Obviously. when the shoes'are located on the platfrom within the recesses Il,-the lower ends of the trousers rest on the guards and thus, danger of the trousers being soiled during the polishing operation, is

avoided. The casing is provided with coin slot i5 at its upper end and an operating lever it, which is associated with the coin slot. as will be explained. After the person has stepped on the platform l3, a coin is inserted in the slot IS the lever permits a lowering of the platform' l3 and such lowering "sets the various parts into operation, as will be hereinafter explained.

The platform 13 is substantially rectangular in shape and the upper end of 'adepressible bellows I1 is secured to'theunderside of said platform (Figures 3 and 7). The lower end of the bellows ll issuitably secured to the bottom of the casing I0. Manifestly, when vthe platform I3 is in its upper or raised position, the

- bellows is expanded, and similarly, when the Figure 15 showing the switch in circuit closing position,

Figure 17 is a transverse, vertical, sectional, view, taken on the line l'l-Il'of Figure 15,

Figure 18 is an enlarged detail of thecontact platform is lowered, said bellows is collapsed. A

as is illustrated in Figures 5, 6, 12 and 13. The

outer end of the bracket 20 has a guide wheel 2| mounted thereon 'and said wheel is slidable within a track 22 which extends vertically on the inner wall of the casing and which enga es an annular groove 23 formed in the wheel. Manifestly, with this arrangement, the platform is members which close the circuit through the switch arrangement,

Figure 19 is a wiring diagram, illustrating the connection between the switch arrangement and the motor, A

Figure 20 is a plan view of one of the brush assemblies,

Figure 21 is a side elevation of one of the brush units,

Figure 22 is a transverse, vertical, sectional, view taken on the line 22-22 of Figure 21,

Figure 23 is an enlarged sectional detail of one of the universal joints of the brush unit, and

Figure 24 is an enlarged sectional detail of the coin slot and its actuating members.

In the drawings, the numeral I0 designates a casing or housing, which is substantially L shaped and which may be constructed of wood, metal, or other suitable material. As illustrated, the lateral or horizontal portion of the casing is provided withv a pair of openings or recesses ll within which the shoes of the person operating the device are adapted to be positioned. The

I sides of the recesses ii are provided with guard plates or panels I2 which extend throughout the longitudinal length of the recesses. The lower ends of the recesses I I are closed by a depressible support or platform l3 which is positioned within the interior oi?v the casing in. A person standing on the platform l3 has his shoes disposed between the plates l2 and the recesses II and. for

guided in its vertical movement within the casing and is maintained in a proper position during such movement. I

For'holding the platform I: in its raised posi- -tion,'until such time as a coin is inserted in the slot I 5, a pair of latching bars 24 are mounted at each side of the platform. As is clearly shown, in Figures '1 and 10, each bar 24 has its lower end pivoted to the bottom of the casing i0 and a coil spring 25 which is secured to the bar urges said bar inwardly toward the platform IS. A rotatable shaft 26 extends contiguous to each side of the platform It and is fastened thereto by means of U-bolts 21, or other suitable means. Each shaft is adapted to rest upon angular lugs 28 which are formed at the upper ends of the bars 24 and since said shafts 26 are secured to the platform l3, it is evident that when the shafts are .in engagement with the lugs 28, a

downward movement of the platform 13 is prevented. Opposite each latch bar 24', each shaft 26 is provided with a radially extending projection 29 and when each shaft-26 is rotated, this projection engages the upper end of the bars to swing the same outwardly under tension of the spring 25. Therefore, when each shaft 26 is rotated to swing the bars 24, the lugs 28 of said bars are moved from beneath the shafts 26 to permit said shafts, and the platform I3 secured thereto, to be lowered. For counterbalancing the platform I3, a. pair of cables 30 are secured to the ends of each shaft 26. These cables extend upwardly over suitable guide pulleys and rollers 3i (Figure 2) and have their opposite ends secured to ,a counterbalance weight 32. The weight 32 is slidable vertically between guide rails 33 which are mounted within the central portion of the casing I 0. When the platform I3 is depressed or lowered, the counterbalance weight 32 is raised within its track 33.v Similarly, when the weight of the person is removed from the platform I3, the counterbalance weight 32 will immediately return the platform to its uppermost position.

For rotating the shafts 25 in order to disengage the latch bar 24 to permit lowering of the platform I3, 2. yoke-shaped operating member 34 is provided (Figure 2). The vertical rods 35 of the yoke member 34 extend downwardly contiguous to each side of the casing l and the lower end of each rod is arranged to engage a radial lug 36 which lug is formed on one end of the shafts 26. It is obvious that when the member 34 is moved downwardly within the casing, the lower ends of the rods 35 engage the lugs 36 and swing the same downwardly, whereby a rotation is imparted to the shafts 26. Upon rotation of the shafts 26, the projection 29 thereon will engage the upper ends of the latch bars 24 and swing the same outwardly to move the lugs 28 from beneath the shafts 2B. When this occurs, the platform I3 may be moved downwardly.

For operating the member 34, that is, to move the same downwardly in order to effect unlatching of the platform IS, the coin slot 95 has a coin chute 38 associated therewith and located immediately therebelow (Figures 3 and 24) The upper end of the member 34 extends into the lower end of the coin chute 35, whereby a coin inserted into the slot IE will move downwardly through the chute and into engagement with the extreme upper end of the member 34. In order to effect a downward movement of the member 34, an arm 39 is formed at the inner end of an operating shaft 40, which shaft is adapted to be rotated by the hand lever IS on the exterior of the casing. The arm 39 has its outer end bent inwardly so as to project through an arcuate slot 4| formed in the side wall of the coin chute 38. When the shaft 40 is rotated by the lever I6, the arm 39 is moved downwardly through the arcuate slot 4|, whereby its inner projecting end strikes the upper end of the coin which has been inserted and imparts a downward movement thereto. This downward movement is transmitted through the coin to the member 34, whereby said member is lowered and the shafts 26 are rotated in the manner hereinbefore described. Of course, after the member 34 has moved downwardly, the coin may escape from the lower end of the coin chute.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that the depressible platform I3 is normally latched in a raised position and when a person steps on said platform, the same will not be lowered. A coin must be inserted in the slot l5 and the lever l6 must be operated to rotate the shaft 40 and impart a downward movement to the member 34, whereby the vertical rods 35 of said member may impart a rotation to the shafts 26. Such rotation of the shafts 26 will result in an outward swinging of the latch bars 24, whereby the platform i3 may move downwardly under the weight of the person standing thereon. Of course, as the platform moves downwardly, the bellows l1 securedto its underside is collapsed and at the same time the counterbalance weight 32 is lifted within its guide tracks 33. For limiting the downward movement of the platform I3, 2. suitable stop block 42 (Figure 7) may be secured to the bottom of the casing i0 below the outer edge portion of the platform and outside of the bellows IT.

For utilizing the downward movement of the bellows for spraying a liquid polish or paste onto the shoes within the recesses H, a pair of pipes or conduits 43 each having one end disposed within the lower end of the bellows, as is clearly shown in Figure 11. Each pipe 43 extends upwardly and passes through an opening 44 provided in the end wall ll of each recess. The

extreme outer end of each pipe 43 overlies the toe of the shoe within said recess. One of the pipes 43 is provided for each recess H and each pipe communicates intermediate its ends through a tube 45 with the interior of the liquid container 46. The container 46 is secured to the central portion of the end wall ll of the recesses II by means of a suitable strap 4'! and said container is provided with a pair of outlet tubes or pipes 48, one of said pipes leading to each of the recesses II. The outer ends of the pipes 48 are formed with a nozzle 49 which terminate adjacent the outlet end of the pipes 43, With this arrangement, the air which is forced out of the bellows I! as the platform I3 is depressed is ejected through the pipes 43. A portion of this air is forced downwardly through the tube 45 into the liquid within the container 45, whereby liquid is forced upwardly through the outlet 48. The air escaping from the outlet end of the pipes 43 forms an atomizing effect at the nozzles 49 whereby a suction is created to draw liquid from the container 45. This liquid is of course sprayed onto the toes of the shoes within the recesses H. Although only a single liquid container 48 has been illustrated, it is manifest that one may be provided for each recess. Also, the spray nozzles 49 have been shown as located over the toes of the shoe and if desired, additional nozzles could be provided for spraying the liquid polish or cleaner onto the sides or other portions of the shoes.

As the platform l3 moves downwardly to force the air from below said platform and outwardly through the pipes 43, counterbalancing weight 32 is of course pulled upwardly on its guide track 33 because of the connection between the platform and said weight through the cables 30. A cable 50 has one end secured to the weight 32 and passes upwardly over a pulley 5| which is mounted between ears 52 which are secured to a cross beam 53 provided within the casing Ill. The other end of the cable 50 is suitably fastened to an actuating block 54, which block is slidable vertically between a pair of channel members 55, which extend vertically within the casing I0. Thus, as the counterbalancing weight 32 moves upwardly between its guide track 33, the actuating block 54 is moved downwardly within the channels 55. The actuating block 54 is formed with a vertical recess or groove 56 which extends throughout its entire length and a pair of spring lugs 51 and 58 are secured to the lower end of the side Walls of the recess 55, as is clearly shown in Figures 15 and 16.

A contact rod 59 has its upper end pivoted to a bracket 60 which depends from a cross bar 6|, which bar spans the upper portion of the channels 55. The contact rod extends downwardly through the vertical recess 56 of the actuating block 54 and has its extreme lower end secured by means of a pin and slot to the upper end of the operating lever 62 of a toggle switch 63. It is necessary that the lower end of the contact rod 59 be suitably insulated from the operating lever .82xat the switchiaThe lower portion either! tact rod 59. is in'constant engagement with a I weight results in a downward movement'of the Y j contact bar 84,- which bar hasan insulated por- -tion85 at each end thereof. The-bar is secured to arms 88 which are preferably formed integral with a shaft',8'|.. The shaft is mounted in bearlugs '88 (Figure 17) which are secured to they channels 55 and the outer end of each shaft 81 weight :2 is lifted upwardly alongthe guide rails or tracks 88. This upward movement: of the actuating block 54 and as said block moves downwardly, the angular lug 51 at the lower. end

- thereof strikes a collar 81 which is slidably is provided with a weighted arm '89. The. weight v at the ends of the arms-89 serve to rotate the shaft 81 ina direction which urges the'contact bar'84 into engagementwith the contact rod 59.

When the switch 88 has; its lever 82 in the 130-.

sition shown in'Figure 15, the lower-portion of the contact rod 59 is in engagement with'one insulated end of the contact bar 84. As-will be explained, the rod 591s adapted to conduct elec-,

trical current and in such position of said .rod,

there is no current flow. Similarly, when the rod 59 is swung to the position shown in dotted lines tothe contact bar 84 controls the flow. of cur mounted on the contact rod 59. It is noted that a the collar 81 is normally held in an uppermost position against a stop ring 88 which is fastened on the rod 59 by means of, a cable 89 and weight 98. Asclearlyshown'in Figure 17, the cable 89 passesjover a-pulley 9| which'is mounted in brackets 92 secured" to the channel 55.

As the actuating block 54 continues its downward movement, the collar 81 is moved downwardly on the rod 59. The collar 81 includes an insulated portion 81a and a metallic sleeve 81b,

, 'ly until it engages the top of the contact bar 84 and as soon as this occurs, an electrical circuit is closed between the rod 59 and the bar 84 to one of the windings of the motor 18 to rotate the motor rent to an electric motor 10, which motor is Y suitably mounted on the crossbeam 53.- The motor is provided with two windings M and MA (Figure 19) whereby said motor may rotate its shaft 1| (Figure 2) in either direction. The motor shaft 1| is provided with a pulley 12 and an endless belt'13 passes over the pulley 12 and also over a pulley 14, which latter pulley is se cured to a Jack shaft 15. The iack'shaft I5 has its ends mounted in'suitable bearings 18 which are located within the casing and which are supported'on suitablesupporting bars 11, As :is fully shown in Figures 2 and-4, theiack shaft-15 ex-- tends transversely across the interior of the casing behind the guide rails 88 and the channels 55 and obviously, when the motor 10 is operated,

the jack shaft is rotated. In addition to the pulley, the Jack shaft is provided with a smaller pulley 18 which has connection through an endless belt 19 with a pulley 88,.the latter being fastened on a threaded shaft 8|,-"The shaft 8| also extends transversely within the casing, being disposed below the shaft I5 and has its ends thereon and this collar is connected to the op-.

shaft 1| in one direction. As soon as the motor begins to operate, the shaft 8| is rotated to impart a longitudinalmovement to the collar 84 which is threaded on said shaft (Figure 15). The

motor 18 continues to operate until the collar 84 has moved alongthe shaft 8| to the position shown in Figure 15, in which position the flexible connection 85 between said collar' and the operating lever 82 of the toggle switch 83 has imparted a swinging movement to said toggle lever. When the toggle lever is swung, the lower end of the contact rod 59 is swung to theposition shown in dotted lines in Figure 15, moving across the contact bar 84 and to the opposite insulated end thereof.- As soon as the rod 59 has swung a sufilcient distance to move the collar 81 thereon from beneath the actuating lug 51 of the block 54, the

weight 98 immediately returnsthe collar 81 upwardiy against the stop ring 88 on said rod. Such movement of the collar 81 from beneath the lug 51 is indicated in dotted lines in Figure 18. Of

course, after the rod 59 has been swung to a position shown in dotted lines in Figure 15, the cirerating lever 82' of the switch 88 by means of a chain, or other flexible connection 85. To prevent rotation of the collar 84, whereby a rotation of the, shaft 8| will impart movement to th'e collar, said collar has an upwardly extending rod 88 which passes upwardly and over the jack shaft 15, as is clearly shown in Figure 15. Therefore, when the motor is operated to rotate the threaded shaft 8|, the collar 84 is moved longitudinally of the threaded shaft 8|. v

Assuming the toggle switch lever 82. to be in the position shown, in Figure 15, it will be evident that the contact rod 59 is-engaging one insulated'end 0f the bar 84 and at this time there is no current flowing to the electric motorlil. As the platform |8.is depressed by the weight of a person stepping thereon and the insertion of a coin, as has been explained, "the counterbalancln cuit to the motor is again shut off since the electrical connection between the rod 59 and the contact bar 84 is broken. The movement of the rod 59 to this position moves the collar 81 into a p sition beneath the opposite lug 58 at the lower end of the actuating block 54, whereby upon the next rotate in an opposite direction. Upon opposite rotation of the motor shaft, the threaded shaft 8| will also be rotated in an opposite direction whereby upon the next succeeding operation the collar 84 will be moved longitudinally in an opposite direction along the threaded shaft 8|.

The electrical connection between the operating rod, contact bar and the motor windings M The other side of the motor is of course connected to the other side of the source of supply. From this, it is obvious that when the switch arm 62 is in the position shown in Figure 15, an electrical connection between the contact 63a and 630 is set up, whereby when the electrical circuit between the rod 59 and the contact bar 64 is closed, the winding MA of the motor will be actuated. However, when the toggle lever 62 is swung to the position shown in dotted lines in Figure 15, an electrical connection between the contact 63a. and the contact 6317 is made, whereby upon the next closing of the circuit through the rod 59 and the contact bar 64, the winding M of the motor will be energized. The provision of two windings in the motor, together with an alternate energization thereof makes possible the rotation of the threaded shaft 8| in opposite directions upon each succeeding operation of said motor. In this manner, the collar 84 which is threaded on the shaft BI is reciprocated and travels back and forth on said shaft to swing the toggle lever 62 from one position to the other.

The electric motor I not only serves to rotate the threaded shaft 8| which functions to control the switch 63 but also serves to impart rotation to a crank shaft 90, which shaft is mounted in the lower end of the casing It]. The shaft is mounted in suitable bearings 9| Which are carried by uprights or standards 92 which are secured to the bottom of the casing. One end of the crank shaft is formed with a drive pulley 93 and an endless belt 94 passes over this pulley, The belt 94 also passes over a pulley 95 (Figure 4) which is secured on the jack shaft and manifestly, since the motor is utilized to drive the jack shaft, said motor imparts a rotation to the crank shaft "90; The crank shaft is employed to operate a pair of brush assemblies, which are disposed on each side of the recesses II. One brush assembly is provided for each shoe and since both assemblies are constructed in exactly the same manner, it is believed that a description of one will suffice.

As is clearly shown in Figures 5, 6 and 10, each brush assembly includes a pair of guide tracks or rails 95, which extend across the entire width of the platform I3. Each track 95 comprises a fiat bar which is twisted upon itself so that a, portion thereof lies in a horizontal plane, while the remainder is disposed in a vertical plane. In addition to the twisting of the bar which forms each track or rail, said her is curved in plan so as to generally follow the contour of a shoe. One end of each rail or track 95 has a pin 96 secured thereto and this pin is fastened to a sleeve 91, said sleeve being slidably mounted on a supporting rod or shaft 98. The ends of the shaft are mounted within the upper end of brackets 99 which ar secured to and extend upwardly from the platform I3. The opposite end of each track rail is provided with a pin 96a which is fastened to a sleeve 97a, said sleeve being slidabl on a shaft 93a. The shaft 88a is supported in upright brackets Stawhich are secured to the platform l3. In this manner, it will be seen that the track rails 95 are carried by the platform I3 and are movable therewith. However, due to the mounting of said rails on the sleeves 91 and 91a, it will be manifest that said track rails may move inwardly and outwardly with relation to each other.

For imparting the inward and outward movement to the track rails, the pins 96 are provided with rollers I00. These rollers are slidable within offset grooves or recesses II'II formed within an upright block I02 which extends upwardly from the bottom of the casing I0 (Figures 5, 6 and 9); Similarly, the pins 96a at the opposite end of the track rails are provided with rollers IIlIia which are slidable in offset grooves or recesses IOIa which are provided in suitable blocks or members I020, which are secured to the wall of the casing I0. By observing Figures 8 and 9, the contour of the grooves IUI and IIlIa will be clearly seen. Manifestly, when the platform is in its raised position, the rollers I 00 and IOIla are in the upper portions of the grooves IOI and I0 Ia, whereby the track rails are spread or spaced outwardly from each other. However, as the platform is depressed, the rollers I 00 and IOUa will move downwardly within the offset grooves IOI and IllIa. whereby the track rails will be moved inwardly towards each other. In their uppermost position, the track rails are disposed behind the guard panels I2, and when moved to their lowermost position, said rails move inwardly beneath the lower edge of said panels whereby they extend contiguous to the shoe of the person standing on the depressed platform.

Each track rail 95 has a pair of shoe brushes I03 mounted thereon and movable therealong. The brushes are constructed in exactly the same manner and such construction is clearly shown in Figures 21 and 22. Each brush includes the usual wooden block or body portion I04 which is provided with outwardly extending bristles I05. The bristles may be constructed of any desired material and may be varied in length so as to more closely follow the contour of the shoe. Each brush is mounted within a carrier which includes a U-shaped member I06 which encloses the upper end of the brush, as is clearly shown in Figure 22. The carrier also includes a plate I07 which is spaced from the top of the U-shaped member I06, being secured in such spaced relation by suitable rivets or pins I08. The pins I68 carry grooved rollers I09 and as is clearly shown in Figure 20, three of such rollers are provided. The rollers I09 are adapted to engage the track or rail 95, the edges of said rail engaging within the grooves of the rollers. One roller is located on one side of the rail, while a pair of rollers are disposed on the opposite side thereof (.Ild manifestly, the disposition of the rollers provide for a positive guiding movement of the carrier along the rail.

For securing each carrier to its brush, a pair of pilot pins or bolts I ID are provided and the lower ends of said pins or. bolts are loosely mounted within openings I I I which are formed in a metallic plate I I2. The plate I I2 is fastened to the top of the body portion I04 of the brush by suitable screws II3. In this manner, the brush I03 is loosely mounted on the lower ends of the pilot pins III]. The upper ends of the pilot pins IID extend through openings I I4 which are formed in the top of the U-shaped member I06 and also through openings II5 which extend to the upper plate ID! of the carrier. Cotter keys or pins IIB project through the upper end of the pilot bolts or pins and serve to limit the downward movement of the brush with relation to the carrier. A coil spring I I1 is confined within the U-shaped member I06 013 the carrier and engages the plate .the mounting of the brush I03 by means of the pilot pins IIO, it is obvious that the brush may move upwardly with relation to the carrier and also since the pilot pins are loosely mounted within their respective openings, said brush may tilt to the various positions shown in dotted ines in Figure 22. Therefore, each brush is individually mounted to undergo a tilting movement relative to its carrier and this permits each brush to follow the contour of the shoe which it engages.

As explained, each track 95 has a pair of brushes I03 mounted thereon and the two brushes of each pair are connected to each other by means of a coil spring I I8 (Figure 20). In addition, the upper plate I'I of each carrier is formed with a ball joint II 9 which extends upwardly therefrom and this ball is confined within a socket I20. The socket I20 is formed at each end of a connecting rod PM and said rod extends between the brushes I03 to connect the carriers of said brushes. Of course, the brushes may undergo a universal movement relative to the connecting rod I2l because of the ball and socket joints between said rod and said brushes. The central portion of the connecting rod has a collar I22 secured thereto and this collar is formed with a ball I23 adapted to be received within a socket I24. The socket I24 is formed on one end of a pitman I25, which pitman has its opposite end secured to the crank shaft 90. With this arrangement, it will be obvious that as the crank shaft 90 is rotated, a reciprocating movement is imparted to each pair of brushes I03 through their respective pitmans I25. The provisions of the ball and socket joints between the pitman and the connecting rod and between the connecting rod and the respective brushes, permit the brushes to undergo a universal movement with relation to the pitman.

Each pair of brushes are reciprocated along one of the track rails 95 and since said rail is twisted and curved, it will be obviousthat the brushes will tilt during their movement along the track rail. By referring to Figure. 6, it will be seen that the curvature and twisting of each track rail is such that the brushes will generally follow the contour of the shoe. Each pair of brushes will move from the heel of the shoe along one side thereof and then upwardly over the: toe of said shoe. The crank shaft 90 and pitmans I25 are so arranged that when one pair of brushes is at the toe of the shoe, the other pair of brushes is located opposite th heel of said shoe. Thus the brushes move alternately over.

the toe, side and heel of the shoe and perform the brushing action. It is pointed out that the provision of the track rails 95' together with their particular curvature and twist makes it possible to positively guide the brushes in a path which simulates the manual brushing of the shoe: The universal mounting of the brushes, together with the individual mounting of each brush relative to its carrier, permits the brush to follow the contour of the shoe and to closely contact the entire surface thereof.

, Operation In the operation of the apparatus, the platform I3 is normally in its raised position,gbeing latched in such position by the latch arms 24 which have their lugs 28 engaged beneath the shafts 26 on each side of said platform. At this time, the roll-- ers I00 and mm: at the ends of the tracks 95 of the brush assembly are disposed in the upper portions of their respective grooves IN and mm, as shown in Figures '7 and 9. This position of the track rails 95 spaces the track rails outwardly away from each other, whereby the brushes I03 which are mounted on the rails are disposed ad- 'jacent the inner side of the guard plates or panels I2. The inner surfaces of the panels I2 may be provided with suitable containers I30, which may have a paste therein. Thus, when the brushes are in their uppermost position, said brushes contact the paste within the container When a person places his weight on the platform I3 with his shoes disposed within the recesses II, and a coin I5 is inserted and the lever I6 operated, the latches 24 are swung outwardly through the medium of the yoke operating member 34, as has been explained. When the latches 24 are swung outwardly, the lugs 28 of said latches are disengaged from beneath the shafts 26,

whereby the weight of the person may move the platform I3 downwardly to collapse the bellows I! which is secured to the underside of the platform. As the bellows I! is collapsed, the air from said bellows is forced outwardly through the pipes 43 and a portion of this air is forced into the liquid container 46 (Figure 11). This'air which is passing outwardly through the pipes 43 and which is entering the liquid container 46 through the pipes 45, causes the liquid from the container 46 to be ejected outwardly through the pipes 48 and the nozzles 49. As has been pointed out, the nozzles 49 are located, one within each recess, whereby the liquid from the container 46 is sprayed onto the toes 'of the shoes within said recesses. This liquid may be either a polish or a cleaner as desired. Thus, as the platform is lowering downwardly, a liquid cleaner or polish is sprayed onto the toes of the shoes.

The downward movement of the platform also results in a downward movement of the track rails 95 and the brushes I03 carried thereby. Since the ends of the track rails areprovided with the rollers I00 and I 00a, said rollers are moved downwardly within their respective grooves I M and IOIa. As is clearly shown in Figure 8, the lowerends of the'grooves which control each brush assembly are disposed closer to each other and therefore as the tracks move downwardly, such tracks of each assembly move inwardly toward each other. The inward movement of the track rails 95 of each brush assembly moves the brushes of each assembly inwardly in- '9). These springs engage the rollers I00 and N01; and serveto urge the same inwardly toward each other, whereby the brushes are urged inwardly into contact with the shoes. Thus, it-

' will be seen that asthe platform I3 is lowered,

the liquid polish is first applied to the shoes and then the brush assemblies are moved into a positiiisezihgagilng said shoes.

e p atform I3 is lowered, the counterbalancing weight 32 is raised and such raising of the weight 32 results in the lowering of the actuating block 54 (Figures 15 and 17) As the actuating block 54 moves downwardly its angular resilient lug 51 moves into engagement withthe collar 81 which is slidably mounted on the contact rod 59. A continuous downward movement of the block 54 which results from the lowering of the platform to its lowermost; position, causes the contact collar 81 to move into engagement with the contact bar 64, whereby an electrical circuit between the contact rod 59 and the contact bar 64 is closed. Assuming that the parts are inthe position shown in Figure 15, the circuit to the winding MA of the motor 18 is closed, whereby the motor shaft H is rotated in a prede termined direction. I

The operation of the motor shaft causes a rotation of the jack shaft 15 (Figure 4) and said J'ack shaft drives the threaded shaft 8| and also the crank shaft 90. Thus, as soon as the collar 81 closes the circuit to the contact bar 64, the crankshaft is operated to reciprocate the brushes I03 on the tracks 95. As explained, the brushes are guided by the curved and twisted tracks and are caused to reciprocate over the entire surface of the shoes on the platform [3 within the recesses ll.

As the motor continues to operate the threaded shaft 8|, the collar 84 which is mounted on said shaft travels longitudinally of the shaft and finally reaches a position as shown in dotted lines in Figure 15. In such position, the collar 84 has travelled a sufiicient distance to cause a swinging of the toggle lever 62, whereby the switch 63 has been actuated. Such swinging of the toggle lever causes a swinging of the contact rod 59, whereby the collar 81 is permitted to return to its uppermost position in engagement with the stop ring 88, such return of the collar being effected by the weight 90 and cable 89 which are secured to said collar. As the contact rod 59 is swung to the position' shown in dotted lines in Figure 15, said rod moves into engagement with the opposite insulated end 65 of the contact bar 64, whereby a further flow of current to the motor is shut off. The swinging of the toggle lever 62 has shifted the possible flow of current through the switch 63, whereby upon the next operation, the other winding M of the motor will be energized.

Of course, the swinging of the rod 59 has moved the collar 81 below the other lug 58 of the actuating block 54 so that upon the next operation of the block, the lug 58 will strike the collar 81 to move the same downwardly into contact with the bar and thereby operate the motor shaft H in an opposite direction. The operation of the motor to rotate its shaft in an opposite direction will rotate the threaded shaft Si in a reverse direction, whereby the collar 84 will travel back to its original position, as shown in full lines in Figure 15. During such travel, the toggle switch 62 will again be swung back to its original position, as shown in full lines in Figure 15, whereby the parts will again be ready for the next succeeding operation. Of course, the length of the flexible connection 85 will control the length of travel of the collar 85 and therefore, will control the length of time that the motor 10 is operated upon each actuation of the apparatus. By varying the length of the connection 85, the time that the motor I is energized may be accurately controlled.

After the motor is halted, the brush assemblies will of course be stopped and when the person steps off of the platform l3, the counterbalancing weight 32 will serve to return said platform to its uppermost position. As the platform moves upwardly, the shafts 26 on each sideof said platform serve to depress or move the latch members outwardly, whereby the shaft may again engage the upper end of the lugs 28, as is clearly shown in Figures 7 and 10. Of course, as the platform moves upwardly to its uppermost position, the tracks of each brush assembly are again spread or moved outwardly with relation to each other due to the rollers I00 and [00a on said tracks riding to the upper end of the offset grooves IOI and Mia. This again disposes the brushes behind the guard plate or panel l2 so that the device is ready for the next operation. Upon the insertion of another coin, and operation of the lever I6, the platform may again be depressed to perform the various operations as above described.

It is pointed out that the brushes, being located behind the guard plate, cannot contact the shoes within the recesses l I until the platform has moved to its lowermost position. The provision of the paste I30 on the inner surfaces of the panel l2 permits the paste to be applied to the bristles I05 of the brushes while said brushes are inactive in their uppermost position. Thus, the paste is applied in addition to the liquid cleaner or polish which is applied through the spray nozzles 49. The mounting of the brushes 183 i an important feature of the invention for said brushes may undergo a tilting or other movement so as to follow the contour of the shoes and remain in intimate contact therewith throughout all of the movements of said brushes. The provision of the guide tracks, which are curved and twisted in a desired manner make it possible to cause the brushe to travel in substantially the same manner as said brushes would be manually moved over the shoes. It is pointed out that the return of the platform to its raised position, as well as the actuation of the switch arrangement is controlled by weights, rather than by springs or other elements which are subject to wear. The use of the weights provides for a positive and efficient operation of the apparatus. Of course, although two brushes are shown as mounted on each track 95, it would be possible to elongate or slightly change the contour of the tracks, whereby they would accommodate more than two brushes.

What I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

l. A shoeshining apparatus including, a casing having a pair of shoe receiving recesses therein, a depressible member below the recesses and arranged to be lowered by the weight of the person standing thereon, a brush assembly associated with each recess and including brushes which are disposed on opposite sides of said recess, the brush assemblies being connected to the depressible member so as to be movable vertically with said member, means for normally maintaining the brushes of each assembly in a spread position out of engagement with the shoes within the recesses when the depressible member and brush assemblies are in a raised position. said means functioning to automatically move the brushes of each assembly inwardly toward each other upon downward movement of the member and brush assemblies, whereby said brushes are moved into engagement with the shoes within said recesses, and means controlled in its operation by the downward movement of the member for reciprocating the brushes to perform the polishing action.

2. A shoeshining apparatus including, a casing having a pair of shoe receiving recesses therein, a depressible member below the recesses and arranged to be lowered by the weight of the person standing thereon, a brush assembly associated with each recess and including brushes which are adapted to engage the shoe within said recess, a counterbalance weight within the casing connected with the depressible member and movable upwardly upon depression of the member, and means controlled in its operation by the upward movement of the weight for reciprocating the brushes of the brush assemblies to perform the polishing of the shoes.

3. A shoeshining apparatus including, a casing having a pair of shoe receiving recesses therein, a depressible member below the recesses and arranged to be lowered by the weight of the person standing thereon, latch means for normally locking the depressible member against downward movement, releasing means associated with the latch means and operable to actuate said latch means to release the member upon the imsertion of a coin into the apparatus, a brush assembly associated with each recess and including brushes which are disposed on opposite sides of said recess, guide means including laterally divergent offset portions at the upper end thereof and engaged by each brush assembly for normally maintaining t 1e brushes of each assembly in a spread position out of engagement with the shoes within the recesses when the depressible member is in a raised position, and means for moving the brush assemblies downwardly within the offset guide means to automatically move the brushes of each assembly inwardly toward each other upon downward movement of the member, whereby said brushes are moved into engagement with the shoes within said recesses, and means controlled in its operation by the downward movement of the member for reciprocating the brushes to perform the polishing action.

4. As a sub-combination in an apparatus, of the character described, a brush assembly including, a pair of spaced guide rails, each being twisted upon itself so that its rear portion which is located contiguous to the heel of the shoe disposed between the rails is in a vertical plane with its forward portion overlying the toe of the shoe in a horizontal plane, a pair of brushes mounted on each rail and movable therealong, a universal connection between said brushes, and means for imparting a reciprocating movement to said brushes.

5. As a sub-combination in an apparatus, of the character described, a brush assembly including, a pair of spaced guide rails, means for mounting the guide rails to undergo both vertical and lateral movement, each rail being twisted upon itself so that its rear portion which is located contiguous to the heel of the shoe disposed between the rails is in avertical plane with its forward portion overlying the toe of the shoe in a horizontal plane, a carrier mounted on each rail and having guide rollers thereon which engage the edges of the rail to hold the carrier thereon, a rigid universal connection between each carrier and an operating member, whereby twisted upon itself so that its rear portion which is located contiguous to the heel of the shoe disposed between the rails is in a vertical plane with its forward portion overlying the toe of the shoe in a horizontal plane, end members fixed to said forward and rear portions, guide members, each including a recess having a laterally divergent offset portion at the upper end thereof, said recesses having the end members of the guide rails mounted therein so that they may be moved inwardly and outwardly with relation to each other, brushes mounted on said rails and movable therealong, and means for impartinga reciprocating movement to said brushes.

7. A shoeshining apparatus including, a casing having a pair of shoe receiving recesses therein, a depressible member below the recesses and arranged to be lowered by the weight of the person standing thereon, a brush assembly associated with each recess and including brushes which are adapted to engage the shoe within said recess, a counterbalance weight within the casing connected with the depressible member and movable upwardly upon depression of the member, and an actuating block connected to the weight and operable upon upward movement of said weight for setting the brush assemblies into operation to perform the brushing action.

8. A shoeshining apparatus including, a casing having a pair of shoe receiving recesses therein, a depressible member below the recesses and arranged to be lowered by the weight of the person standingrthereon, a brush assembly associated with each recess and including brushes which are adapted to engage the shoe within said recess, a counterbalance weight within the casing connected with the depressible member and movable upwardly upon depression of the member, and electrically operated, means controlled by the upward movement of the weight for reciprocating the brushes of the brush assemblies to perform the polishing of the shoes.

9. A shoeshining apparatus including, a casing having a pair of shoe receiving recesses therein, a depressible member below the recesses and arranged to be lowered by the weight of the person standing thereon, a brush assembly associated with each recess and including brushes which are adapted to engage the shoe within said recess, a counterbalance weight within the easingconnected with the depressible member and movable upwardly upon depression of the member, an actuating block within the casing con nected with the weight and movable downwardly upon upward movement of the weight, electrically operated means for reciprocating the brushes of the brush assemblies, and an electrical switch actuated by the downward movement of the block for controlling the actuation of the electrically operated means.

10. A shoeshining apparatus including, a casing having a pair of shoe receiving recesses therein, a depressible member below the recesses arthe carrier may move along the twisted rail,

ranged to be lowered bythe weight of a person standing thereon, a' brush assembly associated with each recess and mounted on said depressible member, each brush assembly comprising a pair of brush units one .on each side of the recess, a fixed guide member within the casing adjacent the ends of the depressible member and having guide means including laterally divergent offset portions at the upper end thereof, and means on the extremities of the brush units for engaging the guide means, whereby when the member is depressed the brush units carried thereby are caused to move inwardly with respect to the recesses simultaneously with their downward movement. 4

11. A shoeshining apparatus'including, a casing having a. pair of shoe receiving recesses therein, a depressible member below the recesses arranged to be lowered by the weight of a person standing thereon, a brush assembly associated with each recess and mounted on said depressible member, each brush assembly comprising a pair of brush units one on each side of the recess, a vertical guide element within the casing adjacent each end of the depressible member beyond the end of each recess, each guide element having a pair of vertical offset grooves which are spaced further at their upper ends than at their lower ends, and means on the extremities of the brush units for engaging within said ofiset grooves, whereby when the units are moved vertically by movement of the member, said grooves cause an inward and outward movement of said brush units.

. 12. As a sub-combination in an apparatus, of the character described, a brush assembly including, a pair of spaced guide rails, means for, mounting the rail to undergo both vertical and lateral movement, each rail being twisted upon itself so that its rear portion which-is located contiguous to the heel of the shoe disposed between the rails is in a vertical plane with its forward portion overlying the toe of the shoe in a horizontal plane, a brush unit mounted on each rail and comprising a pair of carriers which are connected to each other by a universal connection, guide rollers within each carrier engaging the edges of the rail, a brush secured to each carrier by a resilient mounting, and a single operating rod for each brush unit and connected thereto by a universal connection, whereby the brushes of each unit are reciprocated.

TILBERT L. FINLEYQ 

